The F-35 Lightning II fighter jet comes in three variants: the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C. The F-35B is the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant designed for smaller aircraft carriers and the Marines’ aircraft carrier-like amphibious assault ships. So far, four customers are purchasing the F-35B (most air forces are purchasing the land-based F-35A while it is mostly the US Navy purchasing the F-35C). These are the four operators (or future operators) of the F-35B.